Unrealistically Meaning: Definition, Examples, and Translations

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unrealistically

[หŒสŒnriหษ™หˆlษชstษชkli ]

Definitions

Context #1 | Adverb

in a way that is not realistic

In an unrealistic manner; in a way that does not reflect reality or likelihood.

Synonyms

fantastically, impossibly, unbelievably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unrealistically

Used when something is being characterized as impractical or not achievable in the real world; often has a negative connotation

  • She set her goals unrealistically high, and now she is feeling overwhelmed.
  • The plan was unrealistically ambitious, given the available resources.
fantastically

Used to describe something in an extremely good, wonderful, or impressive manner; implies positivity and enthusiasm

  • He performed fantastically in the competition and won first prize.
  • The meal was fantastically delicious, I couldnโ€™t stop eating.
impossibly

Used when describing something extremely difficult to achieve or understand, often emphasizing its infeasibility; can carry a slightly negative tone

  • The task seemed impossibly difficult, but he managed to complete it.
  • She was impossibly beautiful, like a scene from a dream.
unbelievably

Used to highlight something that is surprising or astonishing to the point of being hard to believe, can be positive or negative depending on the context

  • The view from the mountain top was unbelievably stunning.
  • He behaved unbelievably rudely at the event.

Examples of usage

  • He portrayed the character unrealistically, making it hard for the audience to connect with.
  • The expectations set by the company were unrealistically high, leading to disappointment.
Context #2 | Adverb

to an unreasonably or excessively extent

In an exaggerated or extreme manner, beyond what is reasonable or feasible.

Synonyms

excessively, overly, unreasonably.

Which Synonym Should You Choose?

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Word Description / Examples
unrealistically

When describing actions, expectations, or plans that are not grounded in reality or are highly improbable.

  • He set unrealistically high goals for himself
  • She was unrealistically optimistic about finishing the project in one day
excessively

When talking about something being done to a too great or unreasonable degree, often indicating an overabundance.

  • She drinks coffee excessively
  • The report was excessively detailed
unreasonably

When describing actions or demands that are not sensible, fair, or appropriate.

  • She was unreasonably angry at the minor mistake
  • The landlord is unreasonably raising the rent
overly

Used to describe something that is more than necessary or desirable, often slightly negative.

  • He was overly cautious with his investments
  • The instructions were overly complicated

Examples of usage

  • She expected him to solve the problem unrealistically quickly.
  • The prices were raised unrealistically, causing customers to look for alternative options.

Translations

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Interesting Facts

Psychology

  • People often have unrealistic expectations, leading to disappointment when reality doesn't match their visions.
  • Cognitive biases can contribute to unrealistic beliefs, like optimism bias, where individuals overestimate positive outcomes.
  • Therapeutic practices often focus on grounding patients in reality to overcome challenges arising from unrealistic thoughts.

Literature

  • In literature, characters sometimes possess unrealistic traits to emphasize themes or moral lessons.
  • Magical realism blends realistic narrative with fantastic elements, demonstrating how unrealistic can coexist with the real.
  • Great works often explore the tension between characters' unrealistic dreams and the harsh truths of their realities.

Pop Culture

  • Movies often portray unrealistic scenarios, like time travel or superhuman abilities, captivating audiences with the impossible.
  • Advertising frequently relies on unrealistic images to sell products, creating aspirations that lead to desire rather than practicality.
  • Social media depicts lives that can seem unrealistically perfect, impacting viewersโ€™ self-esteem and perceptions of reality.

Science

  • In scientific contexts, theories must be grounded in reality, while unrealistic models can lead to errors in understanding.
  • Extremely unrealistic predictions can often be found in speculative fiction, where science meets imaginative storytelling.
  • Behavioral scientists study how unrealistic beliefs can affect decision-making and risk assessment in daily life.

Origin of 'unrealistically'

Main points about word origin

  • The prefix 'un-' means 'not', while 'realistic' comes from the Latin 'realisticus', meaning 'of reality'.
  • The word combines the ideas of being far from reality with the suffix '-ly', indicating manner or degree.
  • Historically, 'realistic' first emerged in the mid-19th century as a term related to art that depicts subjects realistically.

The word 'unrealistically' is formed from the adverb 'unrealistic' by adding the suffix '-ly', which is commonly used to form adverbs from adjectives. The root word 'unrealistic' comes from the combination of 'un-' as a negative prefix and 'realistic', meaning 'based on or concerned with the actual nature of things'. The adverb 'unrealistically' has been in use since the 19th century to describe actions or situations that are not in accordance with reality or reason.


See also: real, realism, realistic, realistically, reality, realize, really, realtor, surreal, unreal, unrealised, unrealistic, unrealizable, unrealized, unrealness.

Word Frequency Rank

At rank #28,655, this word represents specialized academic or technical vocabulary. It's less frequently encountered but may be valuable in specific contexts.